CSIRO Next Generation Graduates Program in Emerging Technology

1.       Background

a.       This scholarship is funded by CSIRO, the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) and industry partners for a PhD student working in the field of quantum technology at one of the partner universities (The University of Sydney, University of New South Wales   Sydney, University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University) to participate in industry-led research projects and placements to build job-ready skills.

The T&Cs must be read in conjunction with the Student Agreement between the enrolling University, the Student and CSIRO.

b.       The objective of the Next Generation Graduates Programs is to build a cohort-based, industry driven, multi-disciplinary graduate training program. The program strives to develop entrepreneurial thinking and skill sets earlier, where cross-pollination of ideas leads to breakthrough innovation. Students will collaborate and use peer-to-peer learning to leverage their different backgrounds and skills to create a rich and diverse research environment.

2.       Eligibility

a.       The Applicants must be an Australian Citizen or Australian Permanent Resident.

b.       The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicants having an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled in a full-time PhD- level studies in a field related to quantum technology at one of the following SAQ partner universities (The University of Sydney, University of New South Wales Sydney, University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University).

c.       The Applicant must not be in full-time employment.

d.       The Applicant must meet the requirements for CSIRO student affiliate onboarding where applicable. (e.g. satisfy National Police check)

3.       Selection Criteria

a.       The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the basis of:

                     I.            academic merit,

                   II.            Writing ability (as evidenced in an attached thesis, article, assignment, etc.)

                 III.            area of study and/or research proposal

                IV.            CV

                  V.            feedback from academic referees, and

                VI.            previous research experience

b.       The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the nomination of the Sydney Quantum Academy CEO and industry partner supervisors. 

4.       Value

a.       The Scholarship will have a value of:

                                 i.            a stipend allowance of AUD $41,650 per annum for up to 3.5 years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

                               ii.            $5,000 p.a. of training allowance for 3 years,

                             iii.            $5,000 one-off payment for travel allowance, and

                             iv.            $840 one off payment for thesis allowance

b.       Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree prior to the commencement of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum duration of the Scholarship excluding any potential extension period.

c.       The Scholarship is for commencement in the relevant research period in which it is offered and cannot be deferred or transferred to another area of research without prior approval.

d.       No other amount is payable.

e.       The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funding.

5.       Eligibility for Progression

a.       Progression is subject to attending and passing the annual progress evaluation.

b.       Satisfactorily participating in and completing of industry placement.

c.       Successful recipient must complete CSIRO Coursework to the reasonable satisfaction of the leads for the CSIRO Coursework within 12 months of commencement of their Next Generation Graduate Scholarship a

6.       Leave Arrangements

a.       The Scholarship recipient receives up to 20 working days recreation leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued. However, the student will forfeit any unused leave remaining when the Scholarship is terminated or complete. Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading and the supervisor's agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

b.       The Scholarship recipient may take up to 10 working days sick leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the Scholarship. Students with family responsibilities, caring for sick children or relatives, or experiencing domestic violence, may convert up to five days of their annual sick leave entitlement to carer’s leave on presentation of medical certificate(s). Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor as soon as practicable.

7.       Research Overseas

a.       The Scholarship recipient may not normally conduct research overseas within the first six months of award.

b.       The Scholarship holder may conduct up to 12 months of their research outside Australia. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC) and will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree. All periods of overseas research are cumulative and will be counted towards a student's candidature. Students must remain enrolled full-time at the University and receive approval to count time away.

8.       Suspension

a.       The Scholarship recipient cannot suspend their award within their first six months of study, unless a legislative provision applies.  

b.       The Scholarship recipient may apply for up to 12 months suspension of the Scholarship for any reason during the tenure of the Scholarship. Periods of Scholarship suspension are cumulative and failure to resume study after suspension will result in the award being terminated. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC). Periods of study towards the degree during suspension of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the Scholarship.

9.       Changes in Enrolment

a.       The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC, CSIRO, the Sydney Quantum Academy and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature upgrade or downgrade. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid stipend.

10.   Termination

a.       The Scholarship will be terminated:

I.            on resignation or withdrawal of the student from their research degree,

II.          upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,

III.         if the student ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis,

IV.        upon the student having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,

V.          if the recipient receives an alternative primary stipend and/or tuition fee scholarship. In such circumstances this Scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative stipend and/or tuition fee scholarship where it is of higher value,

VI.        does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or

VII.      If the student ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship, (other than during a period in which the Scholarship has been suspended or during a period of approved leave).

b.       The Scholarship may also be terminated by the University before this time if, in the opinion of the University:

                     I.            the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the terms of this offer,

                   II.            the student fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or

                 III.            the student has committed misconduct or other inappropriate conduct. 

c.       The Scholarship will be suspended throughout the duration of any enquiry/appeal process.

d.       Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to University error.  

11.   Misconduct

a.       Where during the Scholarship a student engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the student’s application and eligibility for the Scholarship), which in the opinion of the University warrants recovery of funds provided, the University may require the student to repay payments made in connection with the Scholarship.  Examples of such conduct include and without limitation; academic dishonesty, research misconduct within the meaning of the Research Code of Conduct (for example, plagiarism in proposing, carrying out or reporting the results of research, or failure to declare or manage a serious conflict of interests), breach of the Code of Conduct for Students and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship. 

b.       The University may require such repayment at any time during or after the Scholarship period.  In addition, by accepting this Scholarship, the student consents to all aspects of any investigation into misconduct in connection with this Scholarship being disclosed by the University to the funding body and/or any relevant professional body.

12.    Intellectual Property

a.       The successful recipient of this Scholarship must complete the Student Deed Poll supplied by the University of Sydney.

13.   Placement

a.       The scholarship recipient must undertake a placement with their supervising Participant. The placements (including the commencement date and timing of the placements) will be decided in collaboration with the scholarship recipient, the University supervisor(s) and the Participant(s) to ensure that it is appropriate for all parties

b.      Other requirements

1. The successful recipient must enter into a Student Agreement between the enrolling University, the Student and CSIRO and will also be bound by the terms of that agreement.

1. The scholarship recipient must comply with all terms and conditions outlined in the tripartite scholarship agreement between CSIRO, the University of Sydney and the scholarship recipient. These conditions are related but not limited to intellectual property, Thesis, publication, acknowledgment, and confidentiality.